They Want It But No
Tobe Nwigwe Lyrics


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Drip, glow, soul, wave
Clip, pole, smoke, fade

They want that drip, they want that glow
They want my soul, they want the wave
I keep a clip, I keep a pole
Who want the smoke? Who want the fade?
Look, I know you on my bumper
I know you want my thunder
Why the laws want to take us under?
Why the hell am I in this jungle?
Look, I know you on my bumper
I know you want my thunder
Why the laws want to take us under?
Why the hell am I in this jungle?

Why the hell the law wanna press me?
A little wrinkle in time, make you pull the iron out
Find out what I'm 'bout from the inside out
Ride out to hideout, praying we don't strike out
Find out when we drive out, ain't no timeouts
We don't cry about how they're tryna kick us all out

Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch
Bounce, crouch or you get slouched
My whole hood devout
And vouch for the poems out of my mouth
My mama taught me not to be a harlot
My granny helped me take the wise route
Although I'm itty bitty, sittin' pretty
If the situation sticky, lights out
But for right now, it's funny how




They want that drip, they want that glow
They want my soul, they want the wave
I keep a clip, I keep a pole
Who want the smoke? Who want the fade?

You can not have it nope (no)
What's all the static for?
Drip, glow, soul, wave
Clip, pole, smoke, fade

They want that drip, they want that glow
They want my soul, they want the wave
I keep a clip, I keep a pole
Who want the smoke? Who want the fade?

You can not have it nope (no)
What's all the static for?
Drip, glow, drip, glow, soul, wave
Clip, pole, smoke, fade

I can't feel my feet (falling)
I feel incomplete (falling)
Hard for me to speak (falling)
My body is weak (falling)
I can't feel my feet (falling)
I feel incomplete (falling)
My body is weak (falling)
Back on my feet (balling)

Officer, officer
I swear, I ain't really got no out with you
Officer, officer, make me wanna (ha, ha, ha)
Officer, officer, make me wanna (ah)
Officer, officer, make me wanna (ah)
Officer, officer, make me wanna

Overall Meaning

"They Want It But No" by Tobe Nwigwe & Fat Nwigwe is a powerful and introspective song that touches on themes of fame, resilience, and the struggle against systemic oppression. The song begins by listing various contrasting elements: drip, glow, soul, wave, clip, pole, smoke, fade. These elements represent different aspects of their identity and the things that people desire from them. The artists acknowledge that people want their style, their success, and their creativity, but at the same time, they question why they are being pursued and why they find themselves in a jungle-like environment.


The lyrics also address the constant pressure and scrutiny they face from outsiders. The artists recognize that there are people who are jealous and want to take away their thunder, and they question why the system, represented by the laws, wants to bring them down. The use of the phrase "on my bumper" emphasizes the feeling of being chased or pursued by those who seek to diminish their success. Yet, despite these challenges, they maintain their resilience and refuse to back down. They assert their strength by mentioning that they keep a clip (gun) and a pole (likely referring to a microphone or instrument) and challenge anyone who wants to bring trouble or confrontation.


The song also touches on themes of family and the values instilled in them by their loved ones. The artists mention their mothers and grandmothers, who taught them important life lessons, such as not being a harlot (loose or immoral person) and taking the wise route. This shows the influence of their upbringing and the strong foundation they have to navigate through tough situations.


Overall, "They Want It But No" is a defiant anthem against those who try to bring them down. It's a reminder of their strength, resilience, and refusal to let external pressures define their worth or success.


Line by Line Meaning

Drip, glow, soul, wave
They desire my unique style and aura


Clip, pole, smoke, fade
I am prepared to defend myself and confront any opposition


They want that drip, they want that glow
They crave the unique style and aura that I possess


They want my soul, they want the wave
They desire to have control over my essence and ride the wave of my success


I keep a clip, I keep a pole
I am armed and ready to protect myself


Who want the smoke? Who want the fade?
Who is brave enough to engage in conflict or fade away from the spotlight?


Look, I know you on my bumper
I am aware that you are closely following me


I know you want my thunder
I understand that you desire the attention and impact that I possess


Why the laws want to take us under?
Why do the authorities aim to oppress and suppress us?


Why the hell am I in this jungle?
Why am I trapped in this chaotic and dangerous environment?


Why the hell the law wanna press me?
Why do the authorities want to target and harass me?


A little wrinkle in time, make you pull the iron out
A minor disturbance can escalate the situation and lead to violence


Find out what I'm 'bout from the inside out
Discover and understand my true nature and intentions


Ride out to hideout, praying we don't strike out
Escape to a safe place, hoping that we don't fail or lose


Find out when we drive out, ain't no timeouts
Realize that when we take action, there are no breaks or pauses


We don't cry about how they're tryna kick us all out
We don't complain about their attempts to remove us


Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch
The pain and struggle we endure is real


Bounce, crouch or you get slouched
Be ready to move or take cover, or else you'll face defeat


My whole hood devout
The entire community is loyal and dedicated


And vouch for the poems out of my mouth
They support and endorse the powerful messages in my lyrics


My mama taught me not to be a harlot
My mother instilled in me the values of not being promiscuous


My granny helped me take the wise route
My grandmother guided me towards making wise and informed choices


Although I'm itty bitty, sittin' pretty
Despite my small stature, I am confident and attractive


If the situation sticky, lights out
If the circumstances become dangerous, it's time for action


But for right now, it's funny how
In the present moment, it's ironic how things are


You can not have it nope (no)
You have no access or control over what I possess


What's all the static for?
Why is there unnecessary conflict or noise?


I can't feel my feet (falling)
I am losing stability and confidence in my abilities


I feel incomplete (falling)
I have a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction


Hard for me to speak (falling)
I struggle to express myself


My body is weak (falling)
I feel physically and emotionally drained


Back on my feet (balling)
I recover and regain my strength and success


Officer, officer
Addressing the police


I swear, I ain't really got no out with you
I honestly don't have any alternatives or escapes from your authority


Make me wanna (ha, ha, ha)
Provoking thoughts or actions that lead to laughter


Make me wanna (ah)
Causing desires or motivations




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ludwig Goransson, Tobechukwu Dubem Nwigwe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jamielovell961

You guys are my new favourite people. I love you and thank you for sharing your talents. Sending love and best wishes for you and all yours from your aboriginal fans far away in WA. Aka Western Australia ❤🖤💛

@byrongoodspeed8858

So unique; you know you sick as feck. Well done. Boomshakalaka.

@MelindaHenderson

Hi

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